When used for creating adorable creatures or having a fun but competitive backyard war, snow can be a great thing. For drivers, however, it can pose a serious danger to safety in the colder months. In states like New Jersey that experience cold winters, drivers must be aware of the most common winter driving hazards so they can avoid being involved in an accident. If you require legal counsel after a crash, work with a knowledgeable Middlesex County auto accident attorney to discuss your rights and options.
What Are the Most Common Winter Driving Hazards?
Slippery Roads
The wintertime is filled with snow, ice, and slush, creating a perfect storm of slippery substances on the road. Drivers can easily lose control and spin out, especially if black ice is present as it is hard to identify.
Poor Visibility
When you can’t see properly an accident is bound to happen. Falling snow from the sky, other cars, trees, etc. can limit visibility and cause a driver to fail to see an obstacle or oncoming traffic.
Tire Pressure/Tread
The cold weather causes tires to lose pressure quicker than normal which can cause an accident if you lose control of the car. The tread can also be worn away faster and have a hard time gripping slippery or icy surfaces.
Road Salt
While salt on the road serves the purpose of allowing ice to melt faster, it can also cause damage to cars both aesthetically and functionally. It can cause rust, erode paint, and corrode essential parts of the car that live on the underside of the vehicle.
Dead Batteries
With the low temperatures, car batteries are more likely to die meaning the car won’t turn on. This could leave you stranded out in the cold.
Hail
Hail can pose a serious threat to your vehicle and your safety. When hitting your car at high speeds, hail can cause dents and chipped paint in the exterior as well as cracking or even shattering your windows and windshield.
Bridges
Bridges, overpasses, and ramps tend to freeze quicker than regular roads, making them dangerous to drive on, especially if you believe the roads are safe because you did not encounter ice when driving on residential roads. It could lull you into a false sense of security and you could lose control on the bridge.
Carbon Monoxide
During the winter months, many people warm up their cars before driving them to let the defroster work its magic or the seat warmers kick in. However, this can result in carbon monoxide poisoning and death, particularly when leaving the car running in a small space like a garage or if piles of snow are blocking your exhaust system.
The Cold
The cold can be deadly, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. If you get stranded and cannot call for help, developing cold weather-related ailments can create a threat to your health. Hypothermia, frostbite, breathing issues, and more can result in significant damage to your well-being.
